Cheap Flights to China from Australia
Best student & youth fares right now to China
If you think China is too expensive for visiting, think again! Our cheap flights to China make it totally affordable on a student budget. Don’t let the price of a plane ticket stop you from a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Check out these student discounts on flights to China and get ready to start planning your next holiday to Asia.
These prices are updated every day, so bookmark this page and check back often for more great deals.
Student flights from Australia to China
China is home to a culture that is both millenia-old and yet definitely modern. This amazing country is filled with unreal natural landscapes, ancient architecture and bustling urban centers. Want to be at the hub of a country known for its blend of rich history and innovative technology? China is the place for you.
As an international student from Australia, you’ll also have a chance to learn the most-spoken language in the world, encounter an amazing culture and people and learn and work in a hub for business and technology.
Thinking about taking your next holiday in China? Sign up to become a member and unlock exclusive student and youth discounts and promo codes! Read on for more info on cheap flights to China, travel tips for China and more.
What are the main China airport hubs?
Although China has dozens of airports, there are three main airport hubs: Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Beijing:Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is the main international airport in Beijing and the largest airport in China. Note that means it’s usually quite busy, so leave plenty of time to get through security and customs. The wait time can be as long as 3-3.5 hours! From the airport, you can take the Airport Express train to the city centre. It comes to both Terminal 2 and 3 every 15 minutes. A one-way ticket costs 25 RMB ($5 AUD).
Shanghai:Most international flights to Shanghai will come into the Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Once there, you can easily get to the city centre by taking Metro Line 2 to People’s Square. The ride takes just over an hour and costs about 28 RMB ($5.70 AUD).
Hong Kong:International flights to Hong Kong will arrive at the Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). Again, make sure you leave plenty of time here for customs and security. Once you’ve arrived, take the Airport Express Train downtown. It costs 115 HK$ ($21 AUD) and the ride is about 25 minutes. If you get off at Central station, you can take the free MTR shuttle bus to 50 nearby hotels!
How to fly from Australia to China
Australia is well-connected to China, with nonstop flights to China from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and several other cities. The average flight time from Australia to China for nonstop flights is about 11 hours. The most popular airlines to fly from Australia to China are Air China, China Eastern and Qantas, although of course there’s a number of other airlines that also offer flights.
If you’re flying from a smaller Australian city, you may have to take a connecting flight. However, you’ll still find plenty of options for flights and airlines, especially for flying into popular cities in China like Beijing and Shanghai.
When is the best time to fly to China?
China is HUGE, so the best time to visit varies from city to city. Generally, the best time to fly to China is during spring or fall. Seasons are opposite of Australia’s, so many places in China—particularly in the northeast—will be bitterly chilly during summer holidays. If you’re visiting China during summer, head to the southeast, where the weather will be milder. June through September is a high-tourist period for China, so expect larger-than-usual crowds and higher prices during that time. In general, fall and spring offer a great combination of good weather and fewer crowds. Even better? Flight prices tend to be lower for flights in October-November and March-April as well.
When is the cheapest time to book a flight from Australia to China
Prices based on bookings made 30-60 DAYS days prior to departure.
Why do Australian students love visiting China?
China is an amazing destination for student travellers! Whether you’re taking a summer holiday and staying for two weeks or thinking about a gap year and staying for months, China is a destination with plenty to explore. Experience the blend of rich history and modern business while having world-class shopping and experiences right at your fingertips! There are also plenty of options for working, studying or just traveling. Keep reading for more on why students love China.
China universities and campuses
Thinking about studying abroad in China? You’re in the right place! China has plenty of universities that offer a lot for international and exchange students, but these universities, with their large international population, will make you feel right at home. For science students: consider Shanghai Jiao Tong University. It’s very prestigious and one of the best research universities in China (and the world!). For business students: get a taste of international business at Tsinghua University in Beijing. Interested in government or sociology? Check out Peking University. Fudan University is a more traditional Chinese university that still is home to plenty of international students. If you’re interested in learning Mandarian, they have a brilliant program! Of course, Hong Kong University is another great option. It offers lots of studies and puts you at the center of an energetic Asian city.
China lifestyle and culture
Chinese culture is definitely quite a bit different from what you may be used to in Oz, but don’t worry! Traveling in China is a learning experience, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes. Avoid tipping in restaurants, as it can be seen as rude. Keep in mind that fashion styles may be a bit more conservation or formal—for example, you won’t always see many bikinis at the beach. Aside from the different cultures, visiting China will introduce you to a whole new lifestyle! While at home you may have headed out to the beach for a swim or explored outdoors on weekends, many people in China live a very urban lifestyle. Instead, you’ll find the nightlife is quite popular—from karaoke to late-night shopping or snacking. Embrace these differences and you’ll find there’s a lot to love about life in China.
Exploring China on a student budget
Exploring China on a student budget? Way easier than you might think! Budget accommodation is plentiful and eating out tends to be quite inexpensive. Street food in most places in China is cheap and tends to be delicious and a great taste of local flavor, so don’t be afraid to hit up the street food stands. You can easily get a meal for 10-40 yuan ($2-8 AUD). Beyond that, there’s plenty of free things to do in China, from exploring cities and important squares full of Chinese history to visiting museums and more.
Frequently asked questions about flying from Australia to China
About StudentUniverse
Resources
Cheap student flights
Never miss a flight (deal) again
Sign up for sale alerts, email-only discounts, travel inspiration and more. (Opt out at any time)
Connect with us
